Amidst the chaos that ensued following the 2001 economic crisis, many young artists took tools acquired in art school into the streets. Artists filled the walls with simple, friendly artwork as a way of bringing colour to their communities. This early public art was heavily by graphic design, animation and illustration and was hugely influential for the subsequent development of the street art scene in Buenos Aires.
Urban art in Buenos Aires incorporates a number of different techniques and creative traditions. Following the 2001 crisis a new generation of artists took to the streets to express themselves using whatever materials felt natural. The cost and limited availability of aerosol paint had lead many artists to work with latex paint, rollers and brushes.
Art collectives like Doma, which formed in 1998, left a positive mark on the streets with their unique brand of cheerful and colorful characters.
Other artists developed signature characters, identifying marks which stood out amidst the graffiti.
Building on simple figures and characters, artists created an art which was relatable for anyone passing by.
Artists molded their artworks to the unique space where they painted, so the artwork became a fusion of their creation with the public space it became a part of.
Some artists drew inspiration from things that had surrounded them in their youth and their day to day life.
Other artist like Gualicho created surreal landscapes and imagined worlds to the city walls.
Artists like Chu recognised the power simple touches of colour had to completely transform a space.
Rodez is an internationally celebrated illustrator, who came to Buenos Aires to study. Inspired by the energy of the scene he took his creative talents to the streets.
Buenos Aires' urban art scene is rich in variety, and striking contrasts are created between its different styles, as graphic styles, graffiti, muralism and stencil art collide on public walls.
Curator—graffitimundo
